Public deserves correct HIV/AIDS information

JAKARTA (JP): Respect for the public's right to correct information on HIV/AIDS is key to counteracting confusing messages about the disease, experts said yesterday .

Statements often carry such moral overtones they heighten public fears about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and end up being almost useless, seven AIDS activists said yesterday.

They were speaking during a meeting with members of the National Commission on Human Rights at the launch of Etika, Hak Asasi dan Pewabahan AIDS (Ethics, rights and the spread of AIDS), edited by Julius R. Siyaranamual.

The activists were from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), skin specialists and the Sinar Harapan publishing company, which published the book.

The executive director of Surabaya's non-governmental Hotline Surya, Esthi Susanti Hudiono, said both NGOs and local administrations found it hard to disseminate information on women's reproductive health because of the confusing messages.

She said the situation creates problems in implementing the national policy to fight AIDS.

Rights commission member Saparinah Sadli said that information on AIDS must be clear, complete and accurate.

Speakers hailed Indonesia's multidimensional approach to fighting AIDS, according to the book's cowriter Suyono Yahya.

The campaign covers cultural and moral issues and protection and development of the rights of HIV/AIDS sufferers.

The activists asked for the commission's support to publicize the national AIDS strategy, assist the government in minimizing policy misunderstandings and establish a nationwide information hotline. (01)